Lung cancer and Melanoma Flashcards
State the 4 most common symptoms of lung cancer
- Persistent unexplained cough lasting more than 3 weeks
- Haemoptysis
- SOB
- Weight loss
State some investigations for suspected lung cancer
Initial:
- Bloods
- CXR
Further:
- Biopsy for histology (CT-guided, bronchoscopy or thoracoscopy if pleural effusion)
- Staging CT
- Evaluate fitness and lung function tests (helps predict whether surgery will leave patient breathless after)
Followed by MDT discussion
State some bloods to do for suspected lung cancer
Calcium is VERY important - most common sign found in lung cancer
- FBC
- U&Es
- Calcium (most common sign)
- LFTs (check for liver mets)
- INR (check for liver mets)
State some histology options for biopsy in lung cancer
Choose based on whether the tumour is central, peripheral or peri-bronchial/para-tracheal
- Sputum cytology
- Bronchoscopy
- EBUS-TBNA (specific type of bronchoscopy)
- CT guided lung biopsy
State some investigations for malignant pleural effusion
- Bloods (same as standard suspected lung cancer)
- US guided aspirate and cytology/microbiology
If cytology from US guided aspirate if negative, need to do a medical thoracoscopy
Pleural effusion cancer cannot be cured
State an incidental nodule and why is it significant in lung cancer
“blob” in the lung >5mm
Significant as it may represent early cancer - if > 20mm then 50% chance of developing cancer
State how MSCC (metastatic spinal cord compression) can present and how to manage
Presentation:
- Upper motor neurone signs
- Back pain (progressive, unremitting, worse on straining)
- Localised tenderness over affected area
- Urinary retention / constipation
- Sensory loss in saddle area
Management:
- Urgent MRI with discussion with spina surgeon and oncologist
- Urinary catherisation
- High dose steroids (IV or PO) e.g. oral Dexamethasone 16mg
- Radiotherapy / surgical decompression (depending on prognosis)
State how manage hypercalcaemia in lung cancer
- IV fluids for around 48 hours (dilute calcium)
- Pamidronate infusion over 30-60 mins (drives Ca back into cells) (Zoledronate in breast or prostate cancer)
This will control calicum for around 6 weeks - in time to manage underlying condition
State how SVC obstruction can present, suggested imaging and how to manage (acute and long term)
Presentation:
- Localised oedema of the face and upper extremities
dyspnoea
- Dyspnoea
- Cough
- Facial plethora
- Distended neck/chest veins
- Hoarseness of voice
Suggested imaging:
- Chest x-ray
- CT scan (staging CT helpful)
Acute management:
- Sit patient upright
- Oxygen
- Analgesia if needed
- Dexamethasone to reduce swelling and oedema
Definitive management:
- Urgent CT staging and biopsy to determine cause
- Stent the SVC
- Radiotherapy (if caused by non-small cell)
- Urgent chemo (if caused by small cell)
State some causes of hyponatraemia in lung cancer and how to manage acutely
Paraneoplastic syndromes:
- Cushing’s syndrome
- Hypertrophic pulmonary osteoarthropathy
- Lambert-Eaton syndrome
- SIADH
- Trousseau’s syndrome
Last less than 3 months :(
Management:
- Admit to hospital
- Fluid restriction
- Demeclocycline
- Tolvaptan
State some oncological emergencies in lung cancer
- MSCC
- Hypercalcaemia
- SVC obstruction / compression
State how to manage headache and brain mets
1) CT scan
2 ) Followed by MRI brain
- Start Dexamethosone 4mg bd
- Can give stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) if < 5 brain mets
- If seizures, give Keppra
Shouldn’t be driving!!
State the pathway for someone presenting with suspected lung cancer from an abnormal CXR
- Triage by LC Physician - decide stage/investigations
- Urgent CT
- OPD appointment, see patient in clinic (LC Physician & Specialist Nurse) – Break Bad News, explain diagnostic plan
- Discuss at LC MDT – decision on treatment modality and update patient
- Patient seen by appropriate MDT specialist to commence treatment
State the time limits for a patient with suspected cancer
- No more than 62 days (2 months) from the date the hospital receives an urgent suspected cancer referral and the start of treatment
- No more than 31 days from the meeting at which you and your doctor agree the treatment plan and the start of treatment
State some types of lung cancer surgery
- Wedge resection (early disease and small tumour)
- Lobectomy
- Pneumonectomy
State the major subtypes of lung cancer
1) Small cell (rapidly progressive) = chemo-sensitive
2) Non-small cell:
- Squamous
- Lung adenocarcinoma (mutation driven, not associated with smoking)
- Large cell carcinoma (doesn’t respond well to chemotherapy)
State some characteristics of the major subtypes of cancer
1) Small cell
2) Non small cell
a) Squamous cell
b) Adenocarcinoma
c) Large cell
1) Small cell (20%)
- Arise from APUD cells
- Tend to cause paraneoplastic syndromes
- Tend to be more central
- Rapidly progressive
- But respond well to chemotherapy (not to surgery)
2) Non-small cell:
a) Squamous cell (35%)
- Arise from epithelial cells lining airways
- So tend to be more central
- Metastasise later than other types
- More likely to cause lung collapse or blockages
b) Adenocarcinoma (32%)
- Arise from peripheral, mucous secreting cells
- So tend to be more peripheral
- Less associated with smoking
c) Large cell (10%)
- Undifferentiated cancers and tend to lack structure of other 2 types
- Doesn’t respond well to chemotherapy
State some changes that could be seen on a chest x-ray in a patient with suspected lung cancer
- Visible mass
- Mediastinal widening
- Hilar lymphadenopathy
- Lobar collapse
- Pleural effusion
However none of the findings of diagnostic, requires histology and staging CT scan
